Just Him&I: In a Universe of Cruelty

Part 16

I was discharged, but the hard part is still ahead. Now I'm at Natasha's place, where she kindly shared her clothes with me. Thankfully, we're the same size, so that wasn't an issue. A bit of makeup, which Natasha finished off herself—I don't know how to do makeup and was against it anyway. But it was impossible to argue with her or say anything. Maybe it was for the better because I looked like Snow White. I was just missing seven dwarfs, and I would be perfect for the role.

Since the early morning, I've been feeling panic and anxiety. No wonder, I'm not going on a date. Though you could call it a date. Partially. But this is still a court hearing. Where the life of a person who became close to me during the time we spent together will be decided. My hands were slightly sweaty, and I tried to hide it by keeping them behind my back.

— Everything is ready — I finally looked up and glanced at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were rosy, and my eyes were outlined with coal pencil, highlighting my amber-green eyes. My eyebrows were lightly styled, and my lips had a pink gloss. I couldn't help but smile at myself; I looked beautiful, somehow even a bit more alive. A white shirt with an open neckline emphasized my fragile shoulders, with bones visible in the literal sense. Classic dark pants with a high waist. White sneakers, and I'm ready.

— Don't worry so much. I'm sure everything will be fine, and he'll be acquitted. You're an unparalleled beauty — she hugged me with both hands around my shoulders and rested her head there as well. As always, she looked flawless. Light jeans, a black silk shirt. A hint of makeup gave her a special spark and confidence.

My hair was tied in a low ponytail. I glanced at myself in the mirror one last time. Throwing on a jacket, we stepped outside, where Steve and, as he informed us, Sam were already waiting. The guy with the wings of a bird, an iron bird.

It's now 8:49. The hearing will be held at 9:00. We're almost there, and I'm looking out the window at the changing scenery outside. The snow that had just fallen yesterday melted away like butter on a hot skillet, leaving dirty, cleared piles here and there.

A lump formed in my throat when Steve tried to park. I felt the tension reigning in the car, forcing me to think of the worst imaginable. He's worried, just like I am. The only difference between us is that he has known him his whole life. He saw him die, thought he was dead. Then met him again when he remembered nothing and tried to kill him. He's with him to the end. And I'm just me. Unable to change anything then or now.

Natasha placed her hand on mine and squeezed it with all her strength. To let me feel her support, which we all need right now. No exceptions. That she's with me and won't leave me.

I turned to her as the car stopped, leaving a light vibration in my body. She smiled at me, and I just pressed my lips together.

The lawyer joins our side. A man of about forty-five with gray at his temples in a well-pressed suit. A folder in his hands and defined facial features. Steve and I will be acting as witnesses in this case. If something goes wrong. The court's task is to determine if he's a threat to society and help him. So we'll be sitting at the same table in the courtroom with a psychologist and a criminologist.

I'm breathing heavily, and my heart is racing wildly, but I'm trying to control myself. Which is going only slightly well.

Steve opens the door and lets me in first. Natasha and Sam follow behind, as they are to enter later.

On the right side was a transparent cell where he was sitting. Exhausted and so unhappy that words cannot describe. His hands were cuffed, which he could easily break free of if he wanted to. As well as destroy half the room here. His head was lowered, fingers intertwined. His hair fell in small strands.

A few guards stood around the perimeter outside the cell. Armed, I couldn't even get closer since it wasn't allowed.

Everyone in the room began whispering and talking, turning toward us. I ignored them, just continuing to stare at him. We were still standing at the entrance.

He raised his eyes at the noise, and tears welled up in my eyes, but I didn't allow myself to cry. After Pierce's death, I softened too much. No, after Pierce's death, I began to have emotions.

"You have to be strong. For him!"

His dark circles under his eyes, sharp cheekbones, and dry, almost white lips filled me with panic and horror. He looked at Steve, and they nodded to each other. I flinched slightly when Steve noticed and caught me by the arms, keeping me in view. James shifted his gaze to me; his face changed to genuine surprise. He nervously looked me over, then stood up and stepped closer to the glass. There was barely a hint of a smile on his face. I tried to hold back tears, but my eyes were already wet.

We walked further and sat down at the table. All this time, James kept looking at me, without taking his eyes off. Even with my back turned, I could feel his heavy, cold gaze, which sent chills down my spine.

— All rise, the court is in session — we all stood up as if on command, and a woman entered the room, briefly looking over all of us before sitting in her designated place. I probably didn't fully understand what was happening right away.

A strong wind rose outside. Raindrops slid down the windows, growing heavier with each passing moment.

To some extent, I no longer understood what the judge was saying. The accusations being heaped by the criminologist left new and fresh wounds on my body with every word. If it were real, I'd have been bleeding out here long ago.

"The perfect place — here
The perfect time — now"

— Your Honor — I interrupted the criminologist; everyone fell silent, starting to listen attentively to me. — I, who am now acting here as a witness, can inform you of information that will change the course of the case?! I don't think Mr. Filbin would mind — I hinted at the one who hadn't stopped talking for over a minute. Everyone started whispering again, just like when we first entered. He glanced at me sideways. His facial expression reminded me of a wild beast. And again, with a pounding in my temples, I turned toward the judge.

— Go ahead, Miss Berest — she gestured toward the stand, and I hurriedly stepped forward. Glancing first at Steve, then at James. Both of them were so shocked they nearly dropped their jaws.

Placing my hands on the podium, I confidently surveyed the entire room.

— I disagree with what Mr. Filbin is saying. He couldn't control it and had no ability to control it. He was just used as a toy. But he's also a living person, with feelings and emotions. — my hands started to tremble, but I continued.

— I want to ask you a question before I say the main point. — she nodded at me — Do you have a child? — she involuntarily smiled but dared to answer.

— Yes, Miss Berest. But what does that have to do with this case? — she raised her eyebrows in surprise and looked at the court clerk.

— Let's imagine a situation. Your neighbor, a very bad person! He has a dog, which he intentionally trained to attack your child. — she looked at me, waiting to see where I was going with this.

— One day, it actually bites your child. Who is guilty in this situation, the neighbor or the dog? — I didn't have to wait long for an answer.

— The neighbor. Miss Berest, if you don't get to the point, I'll have to fine you!

— Where I'm leading to. Consider that he was also trained. But we're talking about a living person here. And, unfortunately or fortunately, Pierce is dead. — I saw that she began to get nervous, while Mr. Filbin simply smiled, thinking he already had him behind bars.

— Someone must take responsibility. Mr. Barnes cannot, as he's a victim in this situation. And if you really want to imprison someone, then I officially and openly declare — the entire room went silent. I looked at Steve; confusion was clearly written on his face. A lump formed in my throat, and my head buzzed as if from an engine.

— I am Alexander Pierce's daughter. And I am ready to bear the punishment.—